Chapter 1

Chapter One

Lulu

It wasn’t the best illustration she’d ever completed. But at least it was done.

Louisa Hart gazed at her creation, a whimsical scene that seemed to come to life on the page. In the center, Santa Claus stood in all his jolly glory, his red suit vibrant against the snowy backdrop. His rosy cheeks beamed with warmth, and his eyes twinkled like freshly fallen snow under a starlit sky. Beside him stood a majestic reindeer, its antlers adorned with shimmering tinsel and its fur the color of cinnamon. The creature's eyes held a wise gleam, as if it knew secrets of the winter night that whispered through the pines.

The background was just as rich as the foreground. Snowflakes danced around the figures, delicate and crystalline, each one a tiny masterpiece. A full moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the landscape, while patches of holly dotted with scarlet berries added splashes of color.

The funny thing was, that even though Christmas was a few weeks away, Lulu was already drawing cards for next year’s holiday season.

Just like always, Lulu couldn’t live in the moment. She was always looking to what was next, what was just around the corner, or thinking about something else, or what could have been. For example, when she ate her breakfast, she was already planning what to have for lunch. When she went to bed, she was mentally making to-do lists for the next day. Even when she tried to relax or meditate, her mind never stopped whirring. In fact, at those times, it was even worse.

“I should probably stop preparing for next Christmas now,” she said, sighing to herself. She leaned back in her ergonomic office chair and glanced around her sleek studio apartment. Modern furniture, stainless steel appliances, a wall of windows overlooking the skyline—it was the picture of success for a twenty-something in the city.

But she didn’t feel successful. She felt empty. She rose and crossed to a bookshelf, trailing slender fingers over the spines of graphic novels and art books. Tucked behind them was an old shoebox. Lulu retrieved it and curled up on the plush sofa, gently opening the lid.

Inside lay a collection of treasures—a glittery gel pen, a stack of coloring pages, a half-finished friendship bracelet. And there, nestled in the corner, was Flopsy. Lulu scooped up the stuffed bunny and hugged him close, burying her face in his matted blue fur. Tension eased from her shoulders as she let out a shuddering breath.

"Oh Flopsy, sometimes I wish. . . "

Her voice trailed off. Wish I could be Little all the time, not just in secret. Wish I could find people who understand. Wish I wasn't so afraid.

Lulu set Flopsy beside her and pulled out a frayed composition notebook, flipping through pages of looping handwriting and doodles. Her most private thoughts, dreams, and fantasies were spilled across the paper.

If only she could be this open in the "real world" and not hide such an integral part of herself. But the fear of judgment, of losing hard-earned respect, always held Lulu back. So she escaped into her imagination, into this box of treasures, whenever she could.

Alone.

Glancing at her watch, Lulu sighed once more and carefully packed away her Little things, putting the shoebox into her backpack so she would have it with her over the holidays. She had an end-of-year meeting to get ready for. One last bit of work before her holiday break. Time to be "on" again. Smoothing her chestnut waves, Lulu squared her shoulders and prepared to step back into her professional persona.

But inside, her Little heart ached for so much more.

The conference room buzzed with heated discussion as Lulu sat quietly, her emerald eyes fixed on the doodle-filled paper before her. She had stopped listening to the bickering voices long ago, her mind drifting to happier thoughts—frolicking in open fields, cuddling Flopsy, feeling truly free.

"Louisa? Hello, earth to Louisa!"

Her boss’s sharp tone jolted her back to the present. Lulu looked up to find all eyes on her, some irritated, others curious. Heat crept into her cheeks.

"Sorry, I was just, uh, brainstorming some ideas," she mumbled, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. "What was the question?"

Mark, her boss, sighed. "We were discussing the direction for the Easter cards. I thought you had some strong concepts, but now. . . " He raised an eyebrow at her doodle-covered notepad.

Lulu's stomach clenched. He didn't understand her process, how letting her mind wander often led to her most creative breakthroughs.

"I do have ideas," she said, hating the tremor in her voice. "Just give me a chance to?—"

"We don't have time for daydreaming," Mark cut her off. "We need concrete plans, Louisa, not. . . " He waved a dismissive hand at her drawings.

Frustration surged through Lulu, hot and pulsing. The people here never truly listened, never tried to see things from her perspective. Mark even refused to call her by the name she preferred. Told her “Lulu” was unprofessional.

Bullcrap. He was the unprofessional one. Ruling his staff with cruelty, not kindness. There had to be a boss out there who was firm but also fair. Who genuinely cared about their staff members and understood that nurturing each individual’s special talents led to a win for the whole team.

Sadly, Mark was not that boss. None of her bosses had ever been that boss.

She bit her lip, fighting the urge to snap back. Instead, she flipped to a clean page and began sketching furiously, pouring her bottled-up emotions into each stroke. A girl breaking free from chains, racing toward a distant horizon. . .

"What's that supposed to be?" someone asked, peering over her shoulder.

Lulu paused, realizing all conversation had stopped. They were staring at her drawing with varying degrees of confusion and judgment.

Her cheeks burned hotter, but a flicker of defiance rose in her chest. Why should she hide her true self, even in metaphor? Maybe it was time to take a stand, to find her place in the world. . .

Lulu took a deep breath and met Mark's gaze head-on. "It represents the freedom and authenticity our cards should inspire. Giving people permission to embrace their true selves, to chase their dreams without fear."

“They’re meant to be Easter cards, Louisa. You know, like, eggs. And rabbits. Not existentialism.”

“But Easter is a time of rebirth! People finally being themselves! Chasing their dreams!”

Silence stretched for a long, tense moment. Then Mark cleared his throat. "Okay. I think it’s time we put a pin in this discussion until after Christmas. But please, one and all, while you’re out there opening presents and eating your bodyweight in cheese and chocolate, don’t forget . . . Easter is looming."

Lulu couldn’t help but roll her eyes. In a way, she and Mark were the same. Always thinking ahead. Never satisfied with the here and now. But also, in a way, they were complete opposites.

In the depths of her heart, Lulu knew she craved more than just a surface-level existence, more than just the constant chase for the next thing. She wanted connection, understanding, and a space where she could truly be herself without fear or judgment. As the meeting drew to a close, Lulu gathered her things with a newfound resolve shimmering in her emerald eyes.

Wouldn’t this be a thrilling moment to quit? She daydreamed about the words she would say out loud. The sensation of boldness that would fizz through her veins.

She looked up at Mark, and he opened his mouth as if to speak to her, but Lulu suddenly chickened out. All she wanted to do was bury her head in the sand. So, she looked down at the ground and hurried out of the room before Mark got a chance to fire her.

Her feet took her on autopilot to her favorite neighborhood café. The tinkling bell and rich aroma of coffee wrapped around her like a comforting hug as she stepped inside.

"The usual, Lulu?" the barista called with a friendly smile.

Lulu nodded, mustering a half-hearted grin in return. At least here, among the cozy armchairs and quirky art, she felt a little more at ease. A little more herself.

Settling into a quiet corner, Lulu cradled the steaming mug and let her gaze drift out the window. Pedestrians hurried by, their faces pinched with stress and purpose. Christmas lights twinkled above, but no one seemed to have time to look up.

Did she have time to look up?

When was the last time she’d felt connected to magic, to herself?

Lulu traced a finger over the doodle from the meeting, the girl breaking free. Maybe it was more than just a metaphor. Maybe it was time to stop wishing and start acting.

With a renewed sense of determination, Lulu pulled out her phone and started searching. Retreats, communities, resources for Littles and Caregivers. . . There was a whole world she had never let herself explore.

As she scrolled and sipped her latte, a tiny seed of hope took root in her chest. Somewhere out there was a place she could truly belong, and she would find it, no matter what it took.

Lulu's search quickly led her to a wealth of online resources catering to the ageplay community. Forums, blogs, social media groups. A hidden world began to unfold before her eyes, filled with like-minded individuals seeking connection and acceptance.

As she delved deeper, one name kept popping up: Littlecreek Ranch. Intrigued, Lulu clicked on the link to their website. A breathtaking vista of snow-capped mountains and pristine forests greeted her, along with photos of cozy cabins and smiling faces.

Welcome to Littlecreek Ranch, the homepage read, a sanctuary where Littles and Caregivers can embrace their authentic selves in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Lulu's heart raced as she explored the site, taking in testimonials from past guests gushing about the transformative experience. The ranch offered a variety of accommodations and activities tailored to the ageplay lifestyle, from arts and crafts to horseback riding and cuddle parties.

But it was more than just the amenities that drew Lulu in. It was the palpable sense of community, the promise of a place where she could let her guard down and be her true self without fear.

As she scrolled through photos of Littles and Caregivers enjoying picnics, nature walks, and game nights, a surge of excitement and longing washed over her. This was it. This was where she needed to be.

Lulu's mind began to race with practical considerations. Montana was a long way from her current city life, but the pull was undeniable. She checked the ranch's upcoming retreat dates and availability, her heart skipping a beat when she saw an opening that aligned with her schedule.

A magical Christmas break.

Before she could second-guess herself, Lulu was filling out the registration form, her fingers trembling slightly as she typed in her information. This was a big step, a leap of faith into the unknown. But for the first time in years, she felt a sense that she was on the cusp of something truly transformative.

As she hit the submit button, a giddy laugh bubbled up from Lulu's chest. She hugged herself tightly, imagining Flopsy's soft ears brushing against her cheek in reassurance.

"We're going on an adventure, Flopsy," she whispered to the stuffie hidden deep within her backpack. "A whole new world, just for us. I can’t wait!"

She didn’t have long to wait.

The very next day, she received a reply from Chuck North, the head of Littlecreek Ranch, with a form for her to fill out. It was full of questions about discipline, her relationship status, and what she was looking for from her visit.

She filled it in with glee, squirming at options for soft and hard limits. Any of the caregivers at the ranch were able to give discipline, provided that a sub gave their consent, and there was an option to be in Littlespace 24/7, which appealed hugely to her. She’d be expected to join in with ranch chores and would enjoy riding lessons and other ranch activities while she was there. With each page she filled in, her excitement grew and grew.

Thankfully, she didn’t have long to wait for a response. Chuck North gave her a phone call, to make sure she was who she said she was. He sounded stern on the phone, but definitely not asshole-stern like Mark from work. He told her that he would book her a flight to the ranch within forty-eight hours, and to pack “for all occasions”.

Her travel day came round in a flash. She was lucky to have the whole row of plane seats to herself. That meant that, as the plane took off, she was comfortable pulling Flopsy out and pressing him up to the window.

"Look, Flopsy," she whispered. "Isn't it beautiful? We’re going somewhere far away from the city."

As the plane soared through wisps of cloud, Lulu's mind drifted to Littlecreek Ranch. She pictured cozy cabins nestled amidst snow-dusted pines, horses frolicking in open pastures, a crackling fireplace casting a warm glow.

But more than the idyllic setting, it was the promise of acceptance that made Lulu's heart race. A place where she could be herself, wholly and unabashedly. Where her Little side would be celebrated, not hidden away.

"Do you think we'll make friends, Flopsy? Maybe even find . . . a special connection?"

The idea both thrilled and terrified her. Lulu had never allowed herself to dream of romance. She barely had time for friendships, let alone a relationship. And the thought of having to seek out a Daddy Dom who was also compatible with her was extremely daunting.

“Probably won’t happen.” She sighed.

But as the plane descended into Montana, the rugged landscape stretching out in a majestic welcome, Lulu felt a flicker of hope ignite within her.

Perhaps Christmas would work its magic. With Flopsy clutched to her chest and a trembling smile on her lips, Lulu stepped out into the crisp Montana air, ready to embrace the new chapter that awaited her.

Louisa stepped out of the taxi, her heart fluttering with anticipation as she took in the picturesque sight of Littlecreek Ranch. It was exactly how she’d pictured it. A gentle whinny drifted on the breeze, and Louisa couldn't help but smile at the thought of meeting the horses.

"Well, Flopsy, we made it," she whispered to the stuffed rabbit nestled in her arms. "Can you believe it?"

As if in response, a friendly voice called out, "You must be Louisa Jones! Welcome to Littlecreek Ranch."

Lulu turned to see a woman with kind eyes and a warm smile approaching. She wore a cozy flannel shirt and well-worn jeans, the very picture of ranch life.

"I'm Sara, one of the staff members here. It's so wonderful to have you with us!" Sara extended a hand, which Lulu shook with a shy grin.

"Thank you! I'm so excited to be here," Lulu replied, her voice tinged with a mix of nervousness and delight. "This place is even more beautiful than I imagined. And by the way, you can call me Lulu."

Sara's smile widened. "Just wait until you see the rest, Lulu! Here, let me help you with your bags. I'll give you a little tour on the way to your cabin."

As they walked, Sara pointed out the various amenities—a cozy common room where guests could gather, a sprawling pasture where horses grazed, a serene lake perfect for picnics and quiet reflection. With each new sight, Lulu felt her heart swell with joy and a growing sense of belonging.

Lulu’s eyes widened as they rounded a bend and came upon the heart of Littlecreek Ranch: a towering Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights and an array of ornaments that sparkled in the winter sun. The tree stood proudly in the center of the main square, surrounded by a cluster of beautifully wrapped presents in all shapes and sizes.

Sara caught the look of awe on Lulu’s face and chuckled. "We take our Christmas celebrations seriously here at Littlecreek Ranch. It's one of our favorite times of the year."

Lulu felt a wave of childlike wonder wash over her as she took in the sight before her. The tree seemed to reach for the sky, its branches heavy with baubles that shimmered like jewels. She noticed handmade decorations crafted with care, each one adding a unique touch to the festive display.

"Isn't it magical?" Sara asked, her voice filled with infectious cheer.

Lulu nodded, unable to tear her gaze away.

Finally, they reached a charming cabin set slightly apart from the others. "This is your little haven," Sara said, opening the door to reveal a space that seemed plucked straight from Lulu’s dreams.

A plush bed was piled high with soft blankets and pillows, while a snug armchair sat beside a picture window overlooking the ranch. Lulu's eyes widened as she spotted a shelf filled with coloring books, stuffed animals, and other Little delights.

"It's perfect," she breathed, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "Absolutely perfect."

Sara placed a gentle hand on Louisa's shoulder. "We want you to feel completely at home here, Lulu. This is a place where you can be your true self without fear or judgment. You're among friends now. If you have a look in the wardrobe, you’ll see a complimentary outfit. We also have diapers if you choose to wear them."

Diapers?

The idea was scary, mainly because she’d never even considered it an option before. Would it be something she’d enjoy? She didn’t really know.

“We’ve got pacis, sippy cups, anything you need for getting into the right mindset. There’s a bunch of holiday-themed stuff, too.”

“This is all so wonderful.”

“Well, enjoy it. It’s all for you.”

As Sarah left to give Louisa time to settle in, Louisa hugged Flopsy close and surveyed her new surroundings with a heart brimming with gratitude. She carefully arranged her cherished Little items around the room, each one a tangible reminder of the journey that had led her to this moment.

Perched on the edge of the bed, Louisa gazed out the window at the awe-inspiring Montana landscape. The snowy mountains seemed to whisper promises of adventure and self-discovery, while the vast, open sky invited her to dream without limits.

Would she be able to live in the moment here? She was sure as heck going to try.